Unitized merchandising fixture

ABSTRACT

A merchandising fixture that maximizes the density of product merchandise per square foot of store space while displaying excellent durability and minimal weight characteristics is disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/642,671, filed on May 4, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an easy-to-use, durable and cost effective store merchandising fixture system which maximizes the quantity of different product units or Store Kept Units (SKU) it merchandises. The invention can also incorporate product take-one literature information and backup product storage without diminishing its product SKU capacity.

This invention is particularly effective at creating an attractive visual continuity of fixtures which merchandise various sized and shaped products which require different means of accommodation, such as might be the case of various artists' materials products where the products might be oil paint, acrylic paint, watercolor paint, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fixtures in retail stores which merchandise product packages off of shelves are typically constructed with holes or slots at fixed increments in vertical fixture support members, into which shelf hooks are inserted to position shelves at various heights. Quite often the quantity of vertical shelf positions possible are limited by the spacing and quantity of the fixture's vertical hole positions, whereby more space may be left above product package tops than is necessary.

The slotted holes of typical merchandising fixtures offer the ability to reposition shelves at some future time; however, history demonstrates that fixtures dedicated to merchandise a specific product seldom or ever need to be reconfigured after they are installed into stores.

Moreover, marketers generally agree that the inclusion of product take-one information at points of purchase can increase sales and build brand loyalty. It is difficult to incorporate take-one information into typical fixtures without obscuring product views, blocking product access or extending off of the host fixture, thereby dangerously projecting into customer traffic passage areas.

Typical merchandising fixtures are stick assemblies, consisting of numerous elements to form a complete fixture. Usually a fixture body or frame is an assemblage of a separate base, vertical support columns with slotted holes for shelf attachment, a stiffening back panel which helps stabilize the columns and a header which further adds rigidity to the assembly. Individual shelves are positioned vertically on the assembled body, as closely as the slotting spacing will allow accommodating the product.

Because of the structural demands of supporting heavy product loads in these tower assemblies, steel is most often the material used in their fabrication. The quantity of elements required to build a stick assembly fixture requires a significantly greater quantity of fabrication and finishing procedures when compared to the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to maximize the density of product merchandise per square foot of store space.

It is another object of the present invention to minimize the cost of accommodating and presenting a given product for sale at points of purchase.

It is a further object of the present invention to maximize the durability and longevity of merchandising fixtures.

It is an even further object of the present invention to provide a merchandising fixture with shelves which cannot be dislodged from their intended positions during shipment or use.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a merchandising fixture that exhibits excellent durability and minimal weight characteristics.

It is also an object of the present invention to avoid shelf positioning error during assembly of the merchandising fixture.

It is an additional object of the present invention to incorporate an integral compartment for the storage or dispensing of printed literature, such as “take-ones”, without minimizing product capacity, obscuring vision of product, obstructing access to product or creating a projection off of the fixture.

It is yet another object of the present invention to minimizing the labor involved in assembling and finishing the merchandising fixture.

It is an even further object of the present invention to provide “down-aisle-graphics” announcing the literature location, which is presented in front of and perpendicular to the shelf front plane, thereby affording customers travelling down an aisle optimal sight line to the down-aisle-graphics.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide the ability to mount one merchandising fixture on top of another merchandising fixture to increase the present invention's merchandising capacity in the same footprint.

These and further objects are achieved by the present invention, directed to a unitized merchandising fixture comprising a back panel and a base formed of a unitary sheet of material, and at least one shelf that is permanently affixed to the back panel. Preferably, the unitized merchandising fixture maximizes the density of product merchandised per square foot of store space and minimizes the cost of accommodating and presenting a given product for sale at points of purchase. The unitized nature of the merchandizing fixture, with the back and base formed of a unitary sheet of material, preferably metal, and one or more shelves that are permanently fixed to the back, also minimizes the labor required for assembly and finishing of the fixture.

The present invention preferably provides the exact space necessary between the tops of packages to the underside of the successive shelf, and the incremental vertical space saved when compared to typical fixtures often allows the accommodation of one or more additional shelves. These additional shelves allow for a diminished fixture width than would be necessary in a typical fixture, thus reducing the fixture's footprint and square footage required for installation in a store.

The unitary sheet feature of the fixture also permits the design and construction of a merchandising fixture with minimal weight characteristics. The permanently fixed nature of at least one shelf, and preferably all of the shelves, so the shelf or shelves cannot be dislodged from the intended position during shipment or use, provides durability and longevity. The fixed nature of the shelf or shelves also avoids shelf positioning error during assembly.

It is preferred that the present invention also integrally incorporate such features as a compartment for dispensing printed literature, a product backup storage compartment, etc., without minimizing product capacity, obscuring vision of product, obstructing access to product or creating a projection off of the fixture.

A preferred compartment for dispensing product literature may be in the form of an under-shelf literature take-one that can be installed on preexisting shelves. This may comprise a literature tray configured to hold a quantity of printed paper pieces, in a slightly off horizontal angle, wherein said tray comprises a connection detail, various graphic display attachments and one or more attachment members.

Another preferred compartment for dispensing product literature takes advantage of the present invention's unitized assembly, wherein the base of the unitized assembly is punctured and incorporates a take-one literature pocket. Such a compartment can be added at minimal cost and without compromising the structural strength of the fixture of the present invention.

The merchandizing fixture may also provide “down-aisle-graphics” announcing the literature location, which is presented in front of and perpendicular to the shelf front plane, therefore affording customers travelling down aisle optimal sight line to them.

The invention attains its structural integrity by the use of a one piece base and back plane with one or more, and preferably all, permanently attached shelves. Such an assembly has fewer fabrication procedures than stick assembly fixtures and can be painted as one assembly rather than as individual parts.

The present invention also encompasses a method of forming a merchandising fixture. In the preferred method, a unitary sheet of material, having a top, a bottom and sides, is bent near the bottom about a fold line, thereby forming a base. Preferably, the sides of the sheet of material are bent in order to form u-channels. A reinforcing angle or insert is preferably attached to at least one side of the merchandising fixture in order to stabilize and provide rigidity to the merchandising fixture.

The differences in construction of the invention accounts for significant production cost savings when compared to stick assembly merchandising fixtures that have the ability to reposition shelves at different locations than they were originally installed. When the need to reposition selves for a specific situation is anticipated, the invention can be configured with a continuous slotting pattern in its unitized base and backplane which accepts hooked shelves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The attached drawings are intended to better illustrate the present invention without limiting the present invention in any manner whatsoever. In the drawings, like reference characters indicate like parts.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a partially formed sheet metal back panel and base element.

FIG. 2 is an exploded, isometric view of the basic invention elements in their formed configuration.

FIG. 3 is an assembled view of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a formed sheet metal back panel, base and header element for a stackable embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded, isometric view of the basic invention elements for an embodiment of the present invention in their formed configuration.

FIG. 6 is an assembled view of an unstacked merchandising fixture of a stackable embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded, isometric view of the basic invention elements of a stackable embodiment of the present invention, in their formed configuration.

FIG. 8 is an assembled view of a two stacked merchandising fixtures of a stackable embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The following description of preferred embodiments is presented to describe the present invention and is not to be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in any manner whatsoever.

As more fully set forth herein, the present invention is directed to a merchandising fixture for efficiently storing and displaying products and take-one literature pamphlets while minimizing cost associated with its manufacture and at the same time increasing structural strength of the merchandising fixture.

As shown in the Figures, the merchandising fixture of the present invention comprises a one piece back panel and base element onto which one or more shelves, and optionally all of the shelves, are permanently attached. A take-one compartment may also be permanently attached to the base.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the merchandising fixture (2) is comprised of a back panel (4) and a base (6), wherein the back panel (4) and the base (6) are made of a single sheet of material, preferably metal. The base (6) can be bent at a fold line (8), as shown by arrows (8 a), so that the base (6) is at approximately a 90° angle to the back panel (4). An optional “take-one” compartment (not shown; see FIG. 2) for holding literature can be placed in a take-one pocket (10) that is cutout or punctured in the base (6). The one piece back panel (4) and base (6) are preferably formed with a U-channel at each side by folding the sheet material at the edges. The U-channels are cut in the fold line (8).

As best shown in FIG. 2, at least one reinforcing angle (12) is preferably provided to give rigidity to the connection of the back panel (4) and base (6). The base front (6 a) and the base top (6 b) are also preferably folded over to create finished edges.

The preferred embodiment may also have a header (14) permanently or removably affixed to the top of the back panel (4), preferably permanently affixed by welding, although any mode of fixing may be used, and the shelves (16) are also fixed to the back panel (4), preferably by welding, for a permanent attachment to the back panel (4). Similarly, the take-one compartment is preferably formed of a pocket (10) fixed to the base (6), by welding, to create a unitary feature in an area of a cutout or puncture in the base (6). Alternatively or additionally, a compartment for dispensing product literature may be in the form of an under-shelf literature take-one (18) that can be permanently or removably installed on preexisting shelves (16) or on the base (6) alone or in combination with the pocket (10).

One or more of the shelves (16) can be permanently attached, preferably by welding, to the back panel (4) with one or more of the shelves (16) permanently or removably attached to the back panel (4). In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one shelf (16) is permanently attached to the back panel (4) and at least one shelf (16) is removably attached to the back panel (4). The shelves (16) may be of any type known in the art, including but not limited to wire rack shelves and solid shelves. Each of the shelves (16) may be of the same type or of different types. Additionally, the shelves may be formed of any material known in the art, including plastics, metals and woods. When the shelves (16) are removably attached to the back panel (4), a preferred means of attachment is by inserting shelf tabs (20) into shelf slot holes (22).

FIG. 3 depicts a complete embodiment of the merchandising fixture (2) of FIG. 2 that includes a back panel (4), a base (6), a header (14), shelves (16) and a pocket (10). In this embodiment, the header (14) is placed over the top shelf (16).

As best shown in FIG. 4, the merchandising fixture (2) may include two fold lines: a lower fold line (8) and an upper fold line (24). The lower fold line (8) is as in FIG. 1. The upper fold line (24) allows the header (14) to be formed from the same unitary sheet material, preferably metal, as the back panel (4) and the base (6). More particularly, the header (14) can be bent at the upper fold line (24), as shown by arrows (24 a), so that the header (14) is at approximately a 90° angle to the back panel (4), and therefore approximately parallel to the base (6). In an embodiment of the present invention, a basket or other container (not shown) can be placed on top of the header (14), or merchandise (not shown) can be placed on top of the header (14).

As best shown in FIG. 5, when the back panel (4), base (6) and header (14) are formed from the same unitary sheet of material, preferably metal, at least one reinforcing insert (26) is preferably provided to give rigidity to the fold lines (8) at the base (6) and/or header (14) to the back panel (4). Additionally, a lower trim plate (28) may be attached to the base (6). Similarly, an upper trim plate (30) may be attached to the header (14).

FIG. 6 depicts a complete embodiment of the merchandising fixture (2) of FIG. 5 that includes a back panel (4), a base (6), a header (14), shelves (16), a lower trim plate (28) and an upper trim plate (30).

As best shown in FIG. 7, a second merchandising fixture (2 a) can be placed over a first merchandising fixture (2) so that the storage space per square foot is increased. The two merchandising fixtures (2, 2 a) may be permanently or removably attached to each other by any means known in the art. Permanent attachment is especially preferred, with preferred permanent attachments including welding. Removable attachment may be by mechanical fasteners such as screws, nails, ties, clips, bolts and combinations thereof. Any other fastener known to those skilled in the art can also be used.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the base (6) of the second merchandising fixture (2 a) is sized so as to fit inside the header (14) of the first merchandising fixture (2) without being physically attached, either permanently or removably. The base (6) of at least the first merchandising fixture (2) may include a base modular component (32) which can be inserted into and under the base (6), either permanently or removably. The base modular component (32) may include a compartment (34) which may hold, for example, take-one literature. Alternatively, the base (6) of at least the first merchandising fixture (2) may include a lower trim plate (not shown). Additionally, the header (14) of at least the second merchandising fixture (2 a) may include an upper trim plate (30).

Additionally, a third (or fourth, fifth, etc.) merchandising fixture may be removably or permanently affixed over the second merchandising fixture.

FIG. 8 depicts a complete embodiment of the merchandising fixtures (2, 2 a) of FIG. 7. Each merchandising fixture (2, 2 a) includes a back panel (4), a base (6), a header (14) and shelves (16). Additionally, the first merchandising fixture (2) includes a base modular component (32) with a compartment (34), and the second merchandising fixture (2 a) includes an upper trim plate (30).

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 can also include one or more reinforcing inserts (not shown). In various embodiments, the reinforcing insert can contact any combination of the first merchandising fixture's (2) base (6) and header (14) and the second merchandising fixture's (2 a) base (6) and header (14). A second (or third, fourth, etc.) reinforcing insert (not shown) may also be used to add additional rigidity.

While certain preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention have been set forth for purposes of disclosing the invention, modifications to the disclosed embodiments may occur to those who are skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all embodiments of the invention and modifications thereof which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The term “comprising” as used in the following claims is an open-ended transitional term that is intended to include additional elements not specifically recited in the claim. The term “consisting essentially of” as used in the following claims is a partially closed transitional phrase and is intended to include the recited elements plus any unspecified elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim. The term “consists of” as used in the following claims is intended to indicate that the claim is restricted to the recited elements. 

1. A merchandising fixture comprising a back panel and a base formed of a unitary sheet of material, and at least one shelf that is removably or permanently affixed to the back panel.
 2. The merchandising fixture of claim 1, further comprising a pocket in the base.
 3. The merchandising fixture of claim 2, wherein the pocket includes an under-shelf literature take-one.
 4. The merchandising fixture of claim 1, further comprising a header.
 5. The merchandising fixture of claim 4, wherein the header is formed of the unitary piece or sheet of material.
 6. The merchandising fixture of claim 4, wherein the header is removably or permanently attached to the at least one shelf.
 7. The merchandising fixture of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a reinforcing angle and a reinforcing insert.
 8. The merchandising fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one shelf comprises at least one tab and the back panel comprises at least one slot hole, and wherein the at least one shelf is removably affixed to the back panel by the tab inserted into the slot hole.
 9. The merchandising fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one shelf is permanently affixed to the back panel by at least one selected from the group consisting of welding, mechanical fasteners and combinations thereof.
 10. The merchandising fixture of claim 9, wherein the mechanical fastener is selected from the group consisting of screws, nails, ties, clips, bolts and combinations thereof.
 11. The merchandising fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one shelf is selected from the group consisting of a wire rack shelf, a solid shelf and combinations thereof.
 12. The merchandising fixture of claim 1, further comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of a lower trim plate, an upper trim plate and a base modular component.
 13. The merchandising fixture of claim 12, wherein the base modular component includes a compartment.
 14. The merchandising fixture of claim 1, wherein the unitary sheet of material is metal.
 15. A merchandising system comprising: a. a first merchandising fixture comprising a first back panel and a first base formed of a first unitary sheet of material, and a first at least one shelf that is removably or permanently affixed to the first back panel; and b. a second merchandising fixture comprising a second back panel and a second base formed of a second unitary sheet of material, and a second at least one shelf that is removably or permanently affixed to the second back panel, wherein the second merchandising fixture is permanently or removably affixed on top of the first merchandising fixture.
 16. The merchandising system of claim 15, wherein the first merchandising fixture further comprises a first header, and wherein the second base is permanently or removably affixed on top of the first header.
 17. The merchandising system of claim 15, wherein the second merchandising fixture is affixed on top of the first merchandising fixture by at least one selected from the group consisting of welding, mechanical fasteners and combinations thereof.
 18. The merchandising system of claim 15, further comprising at least a third merchandising fixture removably or permanently affixed on top of the second merchandising fixture.
 19. A method of maximizing density of product merchandise per square foot of floor space comprising the step of providing at least one merchandising fixture according to claim
 1. 20. A method of forming a merchandising fixture comprising the steps of: a. starting with a unitary sheet of material with a top, bottom and sides, b. bending a base about a fold line on the unitary sheet of material near the bottom of the sheet of material, c. bending channels at the sides of the sheet of material, and d. attaching a reinforcing angle at the fold line to maintain a back in relation to the base. 